Catching device for a suspension system

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a fastening device ( 1 ) for attaching objects of daily use hanging on a suspension system in such a way that they do not fall off. Said device comprises a fastening loop ( 5 ) which can be looped around a rod ( 3 ) pertaining to the suspension system in order to be connected to said suspension system. The fastening loop ( 5 ) is wider ( 22 ) at the ends thereof ( 21 ), said widened ends penetrating openings ( 19 ) formed in a retaining body ( 6 ). The fastening device ( 1 ) also comprises a main body ( 9 ) which can be connected to a fastening rod ( 17 ) of a connection element ( 10 ) by means of a fastening pin ( 12 ), said connection element being fixed to the object of daily use.

[0001] The invention relates to a catching device for securing asuspension apparatus.

[0002] Suspension apparatuses of the present kind serve to keep utensilsin readiness in suspended working positions in the area of workingplaces. Preferred uses for a present suspension apparatus are medicaltreatment areas in doctors' practices and hospitals and medicaltechnicians' work spaces in medical laboratories. Utensils which can beprovided by a suspension apparatus, can be, e.g. X-ray screens,measuring equipment, picture reproduction equipment (monitors), storedparts for working and treatment tools and suchlike.

[0003] Owing to the sometimes great weight of the utensils provided bymeans of the suspension apparatus and the frequent adjustment ofposition and height of the extension arms of the suspension apparatus,which are usually long and of multiple parts, fatigue phenomena andsubsequently breaks at weak points can arise. This includes inparticular hinge joints and suspension points. In order to preventaccidents and injuries to the group of staff located in the area of thesuspension apparatus, it must therefore be ensured that the suspensionapparatus is secured in the event of breaks in such a way that the partsbreaking off cannot fall to the floor.

[0004] A device known from DE 298 18 108 U1 for fastening a suspensionapparatus to a carrier comprises a securing element, which isadditionally anchored to the main fastening of the suspension apparatus,for example to a carrier or the ceiling of a room. The securing elementis therein fixed by a first end to the suspension apparatus and by asecond end to the carrier or the ceiling of the room. It can beconstructed in the form of a belt, chain or rope or else consist of atelescopic rod.

[0005] Furthermore, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,073 a securing device for amounting for a loudspeaker, attached for example by suspension to theceiling of a room, is known, wherein the loudspeaker is connected to themounting by a rope or cable and a spring hook and is therefore securedagainst falling.

[0006] The object of the invention is, by means of a simply constructedand easily mounted catching device, to increase the operational safetyof a suspension apparatus and simultaneously to prevent damage to theutensils provided by the suspension apparatus.

[0007] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0008] In the catching device according to the invention a restrainingpart has a security loop which can be placed into a securing body of thecatching device, designed in one or more parts. The security loop isconfigured in such a way that it can be looped round a bolt, or similar,either in the joint of the suspension apparatus located closest to thecatching device or in the further course of the carrying arm, thussecuring a utensil connected to the main part of the catching device andsuspended on the suspension apparatus in a simple manner againstfalling.

[0009] Advantageously not only is the utensil connected to the catchingdevice but the catching device is also connected to the suspensionapparatus. Simultaneously all three parts are connected via a securingpin which is pushed through the main part of the catching device, so thecatching device secures the broken off parts both in the event offatigue breaks of the suspension apparatus and in the event of amalfunction or a break in the connecting element of the utensil.

[0010] The catching device is produced in a simple manner and can eitherbe implemented in new equipment during manufacture or retrofitted inalready installed suspension apparatuses.

[0011] The subordinate claims contain features which further improve theaspired to safety, lead to simple and safe fastening measures, enable asimple form which can be produced at reasonable cost and also guaranteeeasy and quick assembly.

[0012] The invention and further advantages achievable by it aredescribed in greater detail below using preferred embodiment examplesand drawings.

[0013]FIG. 1 shows a catching device according to the invention mountedin a joint of a suspension apparatus in a perspective overallillustration.

[0014]FIG. 2A shows a perspective illustration of the partiallydismantled joint with a first embodiment example of the catching deviceaccording to the invention.

[0015]FIG. 2B shows a perspective illustration of a connecting elementfor attaching a utensil, which element can be combined with the catchingdevice according to the invention.

[0016]FIG. 3A shows a perspective illustration of the first embodimentexample of the catching device according to the invention.

[0017]FIG. 3B shows a perspective illustration of the individualcomponents of the first embodiment example of the catching deviceaccording to the invention illustrated in FIG. 3A.

[0018]FIGS. 4A to 4C show sections in different planes through a firstpart of the catching device according to the invention.

[0019]FIGS. 5A to 5C show sections in different planes through a secondpart of the catching device according to the invention.

[0020]FIGS. 6A to 6C show two views of a second embodiment example of acatching device configured according to the invention.

[0021]FIG. 1 shows in a perspective illustration a first embodimentexample of a catching device 1 configured according to the invention inthe assembled position in a suspension apparatus as an example.

[0022] The suspension apparatus is therein not further illustrated andis represented in the drawings by a bearing journal receiver 2. Thebearing journal receiver 2 is attached, for example, on the end of aone- or multiple-part carrying arm of the suspension apparatus and formsa joint by means of a multiple-part bolt connection. A bolt 3 isdepicted representationally in FIG. 1.

[0023] The catching device 1 is inserted in a receiver sleeve 4 of thebearing journal receiver 2. A security loop 5, connected to arestraining body 6, is arranged between cheeks 7 of the bearing journalreceiver 2 in such a way that it forms a curve round the bolt 3. Thesecurity loop 5 can therein be dimensioned in such a way that it loopsonly round the bolt 3, but it can also be long enough for it to extend,for example, partially or completely along the carrying arm and beguided round a bolt or similar in the area of another joint connection.A more precise description of the catching device can be seen in FIGS. 3to 5.

[0024] The restraining part 6 in the first embodiment example isdetachably connected to a part 9 of the catching device 1 by a screw 8,i.e. in this embodiment example restraining part 6 and main part 9 areconstructed in two parts.

[0025] The receiver sleeve 4 in the fully assembled state is pushed overa connecting element 10, which in a recess 11, can receive, for example,a holding rod, not further illustrated, of an X-ray screen or some otherutensil. The connecting element 10 is illustrated in greater detail inFIG. 2B.

[0026] A securing pin 12, which is pushed through the receiver sleeve 4,the connecting element 10 and the main part 9 of the catching device 1,connects said components to one another. A slit 13, made in the receiversleeve 4, can accommodate a further securing device, which will not begone into further here.

[0027] By the described arrangement of the catching device 1 configuredaccording to the invention it can therefore be ensured that neither abreak in a welding seam 14 connecting the cheeks 7 to the receiversleeve 4 nor a tear in the receiver sleeve 4 at a weak point, forexample in the area of the slit 13, leads to a utensil suspended on thesuspension apparatus falling down. The fall is intercepted by thesecurity loop 5 looped round the bolt 3, wherein the fall path is, e.g.,only approximately 0.1 m. This can have the additional effect that thebreak in the receiver sleeve 4 does not go unnoticed, as, for example,would be the case with a security loop 5 placed rigidly round the bolt3, and repair is arranged.

[0028]FIGS. 2A and 2B show in a perspective illustration the partiallydismantled arrangement from FIG. 1. Coinciding components are providedwith coinciding reference numerals.

[0029] In FIG. 2A the pin 12 and the bolt 3 have for this purpose beenremoved and the receiver sleeve 4 pulled away. The catching device 1sits on top of the connecting element 10, which, as illustrated in FIG.2B, consists of a first part 14, constructed in one piece and formedcylindrically in a step shape, and a second part 15, also formed ascylindrical or disc-shaped. Between the first part 14 and the secondpart 15 is constructed the recess 11, which, for example, receives thecross rod of an X-ray screen. A groove 16 constructed in the first part14 corresponds to the above-mentioned additional safety device, notdescribed in greater detail.

[0030] The first part 14 of the connecting element 10 has a securingbolt 17, which is guided in the hollow-cylindrical first part 14 andprojects out of it. In the securing bolt 17 an elongated hole 18 isconstructed, which in the assembled state of the suspension apparatus ispenetrated by the pin 12. In the assembled state the main part 9 of thecatching device 1, also hollow-cylindrical, is placed on the safety bolt17 of the connecting element 10.

[0031]FIG. 3A shows in a perspective illustration the catching device 1according to the invention without the other components.

[0032] As already mentioned above, the main part 9 of the catchingdevice is constructed as a hollow cylinder. It is connected by a screw 8or a similar fastening object to the restraining part 6, which in turnfixes the security loop 5. The security loop 5 is therein guided throughslit holes 19 in the restraining part 6. A hole 20 in the main part 9 ofthe catching device 1 serves to lock it by means of the securing pin 12to the remaining components.

[0033]FIG. 3B shows in a perspective illustration the individualcomponents of the catching device 1.

[0034] The security loop 5 consists of a rope, a belt, a chain orsimilar and in the present first embodiment example is designed as asteel rope. This has the advantage of high resistance to breaking, greatflexibility and a small diameter. The security loop 5 therein has oneach of its ends 21 a widened part 22, both of which consist, forexample, of sleeves which are placed on and then compressed. The ends 21of the security loop 5 with the widened parts 22 are then placed in theslit holes 19 of the restraining part 6 and grip underneath them owingto the special shape of the slit holes 19.

[0035] As well as the slit holes 19 for the security loop 5, therestraining part 6 has a hole 23 which can be provided as flat or with athread and is penetrated by the screw 8. The hole 23 corresponds to ahole 24 in the main body 9, provided with a thread 25 fitting the screw8, so the main part 9 and the restraining part 6 in this embodimentexample can be detachably connected.

[0036] For assembling the catching device 1 first the security loop 5 isplaced round the bolt 3, then the widened parts 22 of the ends 21 of thesecurity loop 5 are placed into the slit holes 19 and finally, byscrewing in the screw 8, the restraining part 6 is connected to the mainpart 9. After this the catching device can be inserted into the receiversleeve 4, placed on the securing bolt 17 of the connecting element 10and connected to said components by the securing pin 12.

[0037]FIGS. 4A to 4C shown for clarification three schematic sectionsthrough the main part 9 of the catching device 1 according to theinvention. The first section illustrated in FIG. 4A therein runs in theaxial direction.

[0038] The main part 9 of the catching device 1 is designed as a hollowcylinder and has a recess 26. The recess 26 continues in the hole 24with the thread 25. Owing to the simple form of the main part 9 of thecatching device 1 simple and reasonably priced manufacture, for exampleby turning, is possible.

[0039]FIG. 4B shows a section along line IVB-IVB in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4Ca section along line IVC-IVC. Both sections again clarify the simpleform of the main part 9, which is not confined to round cross-sections.Elliptical or multi-sided cross-sections are equally conceivable.

[0040]FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate various views and also a longitudinalsection through the restraining part 6. FIG. 5A therein shows an aspecton to a front face 26 facing away from the main part 9, FIG. 5B anaspect on to a front face 27 facing the main part 9 and FIG. 5C asection along the slit holes 19 through the restraining part 6.

[0041] As can be seen from FIGS. 5A and 5B, the slit holes 19 extendingthrough the restraining part 6 are variable in diameter. The slit holes19 are therein shaped in such a way that the widened parts 22 on theends 21 of the security loop 5 simultaneously penetrate the restrainingpart 6 and grip it underneath, so they are firmly locked in the axialdirection and accordingly fulfil their securing function, while forassembly they can be removed from the slit holes 19 in the radialdirection. The widened parts 22 are therein advantageously dimensionedin such a way that they occlude flush without projecting with the frontface 27 facing the main part 9.

[0042]FIG. 5C again clarifies the two-part shape of the slit holes 19,the diameters of which become smaller from the front face 27 facing themain part 9 to the opposite front face 26 of the restraining part 6 in astep shape and thus enable locking of the security loop 5 in therestraining part 6 which has great tensile strength but is mechanicallysimple.

[0043]FIGS. 6A and 6B show two views of a second embodiment example of acatching device 1 configured according to the invention, in which themain part 9 and the restraining part 6 are constructed in one piece withone another. The overall component is designated below by the termsecuring body 30.

[0044] In contrast to the above-described first embodiment example of acatching device 1 configured according to the invention, the secondembodiment example illustrated below has a one-part securing body 30, onwhich a circulating radial groove 31 is constructed.

[0045] The security loop 5 already described above can in the same wayas in the previous embodiment example be designed as a chain, belt orwire loop 5. It has on its ends 21 widened parts 22, which consist, forexample, of sleeves which have been placed on and then squeezed.

[0046]FIG. 6A shows a lateral view of the one-part securing body 30. Thecircumferential radial groove 31 has orifices 19, into which thesecurity loop 5, not illustrated in FIG. 6A, can be locked.

[0047] The securing body 30 has a U-shaped recess 34 for receiving thesecuring bolt 17 of the connecting element 10. A bezel 35 constructed onthe inside of the recess 34 is additionally provided for betteradaptation to the shape of the connecting element 10.

[0048] The securing body 30 is designed in two steps, wherein in a firststep 36 the circulating groove 31 and in a second step 37, the diameterof which exceeds the diameter of the first step 36, the hole 20 isconstructed, which serves for locking by the securing pin 12, notfurther illustrated in FIG. 6A, to the other components.

[0049]FIG. 6B shows an aspect from above on to the securing body 30 ofthe catching device 1 configured according to the invention. The widenedpart of the second step 37, which has a larger diameter than the firststep 36, can be clearly seen.

[0050] In a front face 38 of the first step 36 holes 39 are provided,which are arranged in such a way that securing pins, not illustratedhere, nailed into the holes 39, fix the position of the widened parts 22of the ends 21 of the security loop 5 and prevent them from slipping outof the circumferential groove 31.

[0051] Furthermore, an axial recess 40 is provided, which extends on theedge through the first step 36 and the second step 37 of the securingbody 30. The axial recess 40 is particularly suitable for receiving acable which serves as electrical supply to the utensil arranged on thesuspension apparatus.

[0052] For re-securing the suspended utensil the security loop 5, asalready described above, is placed round the bolt 3 of the bearingjournal receiver 2 of the suspension apparatus and with its ends 21placed into the radial circumferential groove 31 of the securing body30. The widened parts 22 of the ends 21 therein lock into the orifices19 of the securing body 30. Then securing pins are nailed into the holes39 and positioned in such a way that the widened parts 22 of the ends 21of the security loop 5 are fixed as stationary in the orifices 19 of thecircumferential groove 31 of the securing body 30.

[0053] The radially arranged security loop 5 makes space-savingre-securing possible, which is loaded only in the circumferentialdirection and thus guarantees a high degree of safety.

1. Catching device (1) for securing utensils suspended on a suspensionapparatus against falling, with a security loop (5), which can be loopedround a bolt (3) in the suspension apparatus to connect to thesuspension apparatus, wherein the security loop (5) has widened parts(22) on its ends (21), which penetrate orifices (19) constructed in arestraining part (6), and a main part (9), which can be connected by apin (12) to a securing bolt (17) of a connecting element (10) fixed tothe utensil.
 2. Catching device according to claim 1, characterised inthat the main part (9) is constructed as a hollow cylinder.
 3. Catchingdevice according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the main part(9) can be detachably connected to the restraining part (6).
 4. Catchingdevice according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the mainpart (9) can be screwed to the restraining part (6) by means of a thread(25) made in a hole (24) of the main part (9) and a screw (8). 5.Catching device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in thatthe diameter of the orifices (19) constructed in the restraining part(6) becomes smaller in a step shape from a front face (27) of therestraining part (6) facing the main part (9) to a front face (26)opposite thereto.
 6. Catching device according to one of claims 1 to 5,characterised in that the orifices (19) extend in the axial direction ofthe restraining part (9).
 7. Catching device according to one of claims1 to 6, characterised in that the security loop (5) is constructed inthe form of a belt loop, a chain loop or a wire loop.
 8. Catching deviceaccording to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the widenedparts (22) on the ends (21) of the security loop (5) are produced bysqueezing sleeves placed on top.
 9. Catching device according to one ofclaims 1 to 8, characterised in that the widened parts (22) can belocked into the orifices (19) of the restraining part (6).
 10. Catchingdevice according to claim 1, characterised in that the main part (6) andthe restraining part (9) are constructed in one piece to form a securingbody (30).
 11. Catching device according to claim 10, characterised inthat the securing body (30) has a circumferential radial groove (31).12. Catching device according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in thatthe circumferential groove (31) has orifices (19).
 13. Catching deviceaccording to claim 12, characterised in that the widened parts (22) onthe ends (21) of the security loop (5) can be locked into the orifices(19) of the circumferential groove (31).
 14. Catching device accordingto claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the ends (21) of the securityloop (5) can be locked in the orifices (19) by securing pins. 15.Catching device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised inthat the catching device (1) has an axial recess (40) on the edge.